Outdoor Education

High Plain Elementary School

Outdoor Education 2018/19

Nature’s Classroom

Dear Parents,

We are excited to tell you about our plans for our Outdoor Education Program. This is one of the most highly anticipated events in fifth grade! This week is an opportunity for students to experience a hands-on approach to science. We will return to Nature’s Classroom at their beautiful Groton, MA site. Your future fifth grader is scheduled to attend the program from:

Monday, September 24th – Thursday, September 27th

Nature’s Classroom’s curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Science & Technology Curriculum Frameworks. Through exploration of the streams, marshes, kettle ponds and surrounding areas, students will be able to make connections to topics learned in the classroom. Students will learn about energy flow through the environment, life cycles and ecological changes. The teaching staff is professional and well-trained with diverse backgrounds, including the sciences, humanities, and education. All staff members have had background CORI checks and a registered nurse will be available twenty-four hours for medical coverage and safety.

The students will be housed in cabins with private bathroom facilities, each of which will be chaperoned by an adult from the Nature’s Classroom staff. Meals are served cafeteria style in a large dining hall with a varied, chef-prepared menu that appeals to children’s tastes. The chef will also work to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

The estimated cost for the four-day, three-night trip will be $500.00 per student. Natures Classroom requires we send a deposit by Friday, May 4th to hold our reservation.Payment can be made in two installments or in full. Please complete the attached form and return this to your child’s teacher along with your payment of $500 or $250 if opting for the installment option, by Tuesday, April 30th 2018.

Payment will be accepted by personal check or money order payable to High Plain Elementary School. All remaining final installments of $250 will be due by Friday, June 15th 2018.

In order to ensure that all students are able to take advantage of this wonderful experience, we are also hoping to create a scholarship fund for students in need of financial assistance. In past years, we were extremely fortunate to have a number of parents provide scholarship money. We will gratefully accept any size donation. If you are interested in making a donation, please indicate so on your participation form and include with payment.

On Wednesday, April 11th at 1pm, Natures Classroom will be talking to the 4th grade students about this exciting opportunity.We have arranged for Natures Classroom to also provide parents an informational presentation on Thursday, April 12th at 7pm in the Auditorium. This will be the only parent presentation offered please consider coming to learn about this highly anticipated event and ask any questions you may have.

For additional information, please visit the Natures Classroom’s website at: http://naturesclassroom.org/Groton.htm . There, you will find a slide show, some pictures and other information about the Groton site. We look forward to working with you to provide an exciting, rewarding environmental experience for your child!